A mature blend of attack and defence, break-building and tactics by John Higgins prevailed over the exceptional talent and often uninhibited approach of the world champion Shaun Murphy in their UK Masters quarter-final here. After winning 6-4, Higgins admitted he was "more focused" for his task than in his patchy 6-3 opening victory against Jimmy White earlier this week.

Murphy won his title at The Crucible from 48th in the rankings, beating Higgins 13-8 en route. Even as world champion, he stands only 21st in the rankings but clearly has the game, underpinned by one of the circuit's most reliably straight cue actions, to rise much higher even if he may have to temper his aggressive instincts. "He's such a good long potter that he puts the fear of God in you," Higgins admitted. "He has so much confidence and so much ability but some of those he goes for are do-or-die."

Two long pots, initiating breaks of 80 and 86, featured in Murphy's recovery from two down with three to play to beat Ken Doherty earlier this week and a similar escape appeared possible when at 5-3, 48-0 behind, he settled to an 87 clearance. Accepting the option of a long pot at the start of the next frame, though, his attempt let in Higgins for a match-clinching 74. "I'd just won the previous frame so I felt it was my moment," said Murphy. "That's why I took it on."

Earlier, Murphy had levelled 3-3 with a break of 115, the 75th century of an eight- year professional career, but early in the next frame potted a red, only to leave himself hopelessly out of position either to pot a colour or play safe.

Some believed Murphy could somehow have taken a safe option but none occurred to him. His desperate attempt at a long pot with the odds stacked against him led to a frame-winning 77 from Higgins, who also shut him out of the next frame to go two up with three to play.

Ronnie O'Sullivan continues his title defence in this afternoon's semi-final against Stephen Lee. Higgins will contest the other semi-final tonight against either Alan McManus and Mark Williams.